Almanac

Briefs: Former probation chief sentenced

A former San Mateo County probation chief convicted of possessing child pornography was sentenced Sept. 20 to 10 months in county jail and was led away from court in handcuffs.

Stuart James Forrest, 62, was also placed on three years' probation and must register as a sex offender for life, visiting Judge Robert Atack ruled in San Mateo County Superior Court.

A jury found him guilty on July 26 of two counts of possession of child pornography. He was arrested in December 2012 after being named in a complaint by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service that alleged that he possessed child pornography on his personal computer.

He was placed on formal administrative leave on Dec. 21 and retired 10 days later on Dec. 31.

Mr. Forrest, who testified on his own behalf in his July trial, said he had collected the images and videos for the purpose of policy decisions and research into the rising onset of human trafficking.

The case was prosecuted through the state attorney general's office with Judge Atack presiding.

The case was turned over to the state due to the close working relationships Mr. Forrest had with San Mateo County judges and the district attorney's office during his 34-year career with the county.

Health screening

Seniors are invited to a free health screening at the Menlo Park Senior Center at 100 Terminal Ave. on Thursday, Sept. 26.

Seniors at least 60 years old are eligible. To receive the most accurate cholesterol and blood glucose results, the city recommends fasting for 12 hours prior to the check-up. After the screenings, participants receive snacks and a consultation with a nurse.

The event is sponsored by Senior Focus, Mills Peninsula Health Services, the Peninsula Health Care District, San Mateo County Aging and Adult Services and the City of Menlo Park.

Appointments are required. Call 330-2283 to sign up; the screening runs from 9 to 11 a.m. on Thursday.

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